Scandal unearths in Shopian as DC flouts norms

Shopian: A scandal worth two crores has unearthed in Shopian district as the Deputy Commissioner Owais Ahmed has allegedly flouted the norms only to benefit few of his blue eyed contractors.

According to official sources, the works amounting to the tune of Rs 2 Crore have been sanctioned in favour of blue eyed contractors throwing due norms to wind.

“The contractors have paid 10 to 20 percent of amount to the officials for getting the works approved. And the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) has been completely by-passed from the process,” official sources in the Rural Engineering Wing said.

The documents lying with us reveal that the DC has approved the works without the knowledge of ACD which otherwise is a formal channel of getting works done.

The submission of estimates was done by technical clerk on 25-09-2018 and the JE prepared estimates without visiting the spots and without consulting local bodies. Surprisingly, the DC had already given the approval on 15-09-2018.

The fund was released to the Deputy Commissioner for the special development plan as special Development Fund for the urgent public works in the district.

In one work, the estimated cost is 2.99 lakhs but the DC has given approval of 4 lakhs to the blue eyed contractors, sources disclosed.

The works are also not for the overall welfare of the people.

Despite repeated attempts, DC Shopian Owais Ahmed didn’t answer the phone calls. (CNS)